Book a free call
Grants for companies

EU grants for companies in 2025 - how to get funding

The European Union's new financial perspective for 2021-2027 brings with it great opportunities for Polish companies. In 2025, entrepreneurs can look forward to a wide range of EU grants that will help them develop their businesses, invest in innovation and expand into new markets. These funds represent significant financial support that can contribute to a significant increase in the competitiveness and efficiency of Polish companies on the international stage. The Polish government and institutions such as the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) and the National Center for Research and Development (NCBR) are actively working together to implement numerous programs to support small, medium and large enterprises. The year 2025 is expected to be crucial for the implementation of many initiatives that will contribute to the country's sustainable economic development.
Filip Samczuk
Author of the article
Published
September 30 2024
Reading time
10 minutes
Table of contents

Looking for information on subsidies for companies in 2025? In this article you will find an overview of the latest grant programs available in the coming year. We will discuss opportunities for financial support for various business sectors, such as health and safety, technological innovation and human resource development. You will learn how to prepare an application, what conditions to meet, and the most common mistakes to avoid in the context of grants for companies in 2025. Remember that grants for companies in 2025 can significantly affect the development of your business.

Where to start getting grants for your business in 2025

Finding the right grant is the first but extremely important step in the process of obtaining financial support for your company. In practice, however, it is not as easy as it might seem. Information on available grants is scattered across dozens of different sources, and the dates of calls often change, causing many entrepreneurs to miss important opportunities.

In order to successfully find the right grant program, it is worth taking the time to carefully analyze the available options. Only after finding the right program and realistically assessing the opportunities can you proceed with creating a proposal. Without this step completed successfully, 90% companies drop out of the grant process right from the start.

text "need support in writing a proposal? contact us"

It is also worth remembering that patience and determination are the keys to success. Researching information on your own can be time-consuming, but it allows you to better understand the opportunities available and tailor grants to your company's specific needs.

If you don't have time to constantly monitor the grants and read the regulations of each one - outsource this task to consultants. You can find a sample guide that "watches the grants for you" at DostepneDotacje.pl

European funds for modern economy

One of the most important programs in the new financial perspective is the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG). This program is aimed at supporting innovation, research and development, as well as increasing the competitiveness of Polish companies on international markets. The FENG provides for activities such as the SMART Path, which is dedicated to both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies and consortia. The SMART Path is a modular program, which means that entrepreneurs can choose from different funding modules such as research and development (R&D), innovation implementation, digitization, enterprise greening, internationalization and competence development. Funding, in some cases, can be up to 100% of eligible project costs, which is a huge support for companies planning ambitious ventures.

European Funds for a Modern Economy in 2025 - these are huge resources for Polish entrepreneurs. When assessing your chances of benefiting from these funds, consider whether your company needs or could benefit from the implementation of innovative (breakthrough) technologies. If you have the equity to do so, you stand a good chance.

The schedule of calls for proposals is set until 2027, and calls are scheduled at least quarterly. Under these programs, entrepreneurs can count on financial support for the implementation of various projects, including, for example, the above-mentioned "SMART Path" program. - one of the most popular under the European Funds for a Modern Economy.

European funds for Eastern Poland

Eastern Poland is a region that benefits in a special way from EU funds. The European Funds for Eastern Poland (FEPW) program is dedicated to supporting economic development and innovation in the country's eastern provinces. The program includes a number of activities aimed at improving competitiveness, sustainable development and increasing the attractiveness of the region. One of the key activities under the FEPW is the promotion of a closed-loop economy (GOZ) in small and medium-sized enterprises. The program offers support during the development stage of the GOZ business model and its implementation.

The maximum subsidy can be as high as 3.5 million zlotys, which is a significant help for companies striving for sustainable development and optimization of production processes.

euro banknotes

Funds for Eastern Poland in 2025 are expected to ensure faster development of the region, including, above all, the development of local entrepreneurship. Don't have a company in Eastern Poland yet, but want to take advantage of these grants? Often nothing is lost - there are programs where you only need to set up a branch or relocate your headquarters to be able to take advantage of the available funds for the province. Be sure to read the rules and regulations of a particular program carefully to learn the specific terms and conditions.

Funds in the regions 2021-2027 is not only eastern Poland. Every province has planned subsidy programs for companies. Important: this includes Warsaw.

Support for the SME sector

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in the Polish economy. EU subsidies for SMEs in 2025 include a wide range of activities to support their growth, innovation or expansion into foreign markets.

An example of such support is the Innovative SME Brand Promotion program, which enables companies to obtain funding to promote their products in international markets. The program supports participation in international exhibitions, trade fairs and economic missions, allowing companies to increase their visibility and competitiveness. The maximum subsidy can be as high as 50% of eligible costs, which is a significant support for SMEs planning to expand abroad.

EU subsidies for companies in 2025

This is just one of many programs planned for 2025. In the context of micro and small businesses, regional (provincial) programs may prove particularly attractive. Typically, they offer grants ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million zlotys with subsidies as high as 80%.

Investments in sustainability and energy efficiency

In response to the global challenges of climate change, the European Union is placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. Under programs such as the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and the Environment (FEnIKS), companies can apply for funding to modernize energy infrastructure, implement renewable energy technologies and invest in energy-efficient solutions. An example of such support is the Environmental Loan, which allows companies to obtain an environmental bonus for energy efficiency investments. The subsidy can cover such activities as modernization of heating systems, installation of photovoltaic panels, or implementation of energy-efficient production technologies.

green credit

Funding for Infrastructure, Environment in 2025, and also available in subsequent years, is a key program in addition to the European Funds Modern Economy (FENG), for which Poland has received funds from the European Union. If you are planning energy transformation activities in your company, including primarily those aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, you have a good chance of benefiting from one of the programs.

National plan for reconstruction and enhancing resilience

The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP) is another important source of funding for Polish businesses in 2025. The plan aims to support the recovery of the economy from the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and increase its resilience to future crises. The KPO includes a number of measures to support innovation, digital transformation, sustainable development and infrastructure modernization.

An example of such action on behalf of the KPO is a program available now in 2024 for companies in the HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, catering), under which they can count on support as part of their investment in business diversification. This program offers funding for the expansion of companies' operations, which will allow them to better adapt to changing market conditions and increase financial stability.

Social Security subsidies for health and safety improvements

Social Security's 2025 subsidies aim to improve occupational safety and health and safety at businesses. With these subsidies, it is possible to significantly improve OSH working conditions through the purchase of new equipment and the modernization of existing machinery. The value of the maximum subsidy for improving occupational health and safety is PLN 300,000, which provides a wide range of investment opportunities for companies.

To apply for Social Security funding, it is necessary to prepare detailed documentation and conduct an analysis of the company's health and safety situation. The application must include a detailed description of the planned investment and the expected costs. It is also important that the company is up to date with contributions and taxes, which is one of the prerequisites for support.

Before applying, it's a good idea to carefully review the terms of the call and the project requirements. Although the 2025 call for proposals has not yet been officially announced, it is worth being ready to apply in advance so as not to miss this valuable opportunity.

Grants for start-ups

Supporting technology startups is a key element of the modern economy. The Startup Booster Poland program offers applications until October 31, 2026, giving young entrepreneurs a chance to develop their innovative ideas. This program supports startups at an early stage of development, helping them turn their ideas into viable projects.

In addition, it is worth noting the "Startup Platforms for New Ideas" program, which is dedicated to startups in the idea phase. Information about support and development opportunities for technology startups can be found on the websites of funding institutions, making it easy to access the necessary data and resources.

At the same time, it should be remembered that startups can benefit not only from grants, but also from private financing offered by VC (venture capital) funds as well as business angels (business angels). In some cases, this is a more favorable solution. It is worth considering all possibilities.

Important Tip: when you consider raising financing from investors, your chances are significantly higher when you already have your first customers (revenue).

Grants for start-up companies in 2025

In addition to numerous grants for the development of existing businesses, 2025 will also bring proposals for start-ups. Examples of such programs include (list of startup grants in 2025):

  • Startup support - implemented by BGK,
  • Rural start-up grants - implemented by the LAG,
  • The "Young Farmer" program - implemented by the ARMA,
  • Start-up grant for the unemployed - implemented by the PUP,
  • Startup platforms for new ideas - implemented by selected gas pedals.

The above list is not exhaustive - these are examples of opportunities for newly established companies. Full and up-to-date lists can be followed, for example, in the guide on DostepneDotacje.pl

How to get funding from the European Union

The process of applying for EU grants may seem complicated, but proper preparation and strategy can greatly increase the chances of getting support.

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the current competitions and programs that are available for your business sector. It is also worthwhile to take advantage of guides and advisory services offered by institutions such as PARP or NCBR. Next, it is important to carefully prepare the application documentation, which should include a detailed description of the planned project, its objectives, anticipated benefits and budget. It is also worth conducting a risk analysis and preparing a project management plan, which can positively influence the evaluation of the application.

Expert support from subsidies in 2025

By working with experienced specialists, you can increase the chances of a successful grant application. Consulting firms offer comprehensive support, from analyzing the possibility of obtaining funds to their settlement.

References for Well Done Business

Free consultations at consulting firms help determine the potential for funding for a particular project, which is invaluable when planning investments. Typically, the bulk of a consulting firm's fee depends on the success of the application, which motivates them to be as involved in the process as possible.

As experience and statistics show, taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of professionals significantly increases the chances of success. Most beginners as well as experienced entrepreneurs are not familiar with the European Union's horizontal policies, EU project performance indicators or other elements relevant to scoring in grant programs.

Summary

The year 2025 brings numerous opportunities for Polish companies to obtain EU subsidies. Programs such as FENG, FEPW, FEnIKS and KPO offer a wide range of financial support that can contribute to significant growth, innovation and sustainable development of companies. Proper preparation and strategy in applying for funding is key, which can significantly increase the chances of receiving support. Polish companies that take advantage of available EU funds have a chance to significantly develop and gain a competitive advantage in international markets. It is therefore worth investing time and resources in preparing the right applications and taking advantage of the available opportunities, in order to take full advantage of the potential offered by EU funds in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right grant for my company?

In order to find the right grant for your company, it is worthwhile to carefully analyze the available programs and register with information services such as DostepneDotacje.pl, which offer updates on available funds and relevant deadlines. Such a step will provide the necessary information to successfully apply for financial support.

What are the most common mistakes when applying for grants?

The most common mistakes when applying for subsidies are due to a lack of detailed familiarity with or understanding of the requirements. Also, submitting applications after the deadline or incomplete documentation. Avoiding these and similar situations is key to increasing your chances of getting a grant. An experienced EU grant advisor can help.

Can I apply for Social Security funding for health and safety improvements if my company is behind on its contributions?

No, you can't apply for Social Security funding for health and safety improvements if your company is behind on its contributions.

What support do consulting firms offer when applying for grants?

Consulting firms often offer comprehensive support for applying for grants, including analysis of funding opportunities, preparation of documentation and grant settlement. Initial consultations help determine the potential for funding for a particular project.

Is the required contribution necessary for every grant program?

An own contribution is often necessary, but its amount and requirements may vary depending on the specific subsidy program. Therefore, it is worth reading the regulations of each program in detail. If you have no own contribution, the chances of obtaining high grant funding are slim. Especially in the case of programs for companies already in operation.

Are grants provided in the form of advances (before the cost is incurred) or reimbursement of costs?

It all depends on the nature of the project (grant program). Different solutions are used. Details of the disbursement of funds are always specified in the regulations of the program.

About the author

Filip Samczuk
For 12 years, he has provided substantive support to entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams of starting or growing a business. He advises on obtaining financing, business development and legal issues. Privately a fanatic of sports, travel and history of the 20th century.

Do you want to successfully obtain a grant for business development?

Get back to us
I contact
More than 250 satisfied entrepreneurs in Poland and abroad

Similar articles

Widok hotelu
Tips
8 min. reading

Business plan for a hotel - a comprehensive guide,Need a business plan for a hotel? You've come to the right place - read our article and find out what it must contain.,Hotel View

Potrzebny Ci biznesplan dla hotelu? Dobrze trafiłeś - przeczytaj nasz artykuł i dowiedz się co musi zawierać.
Farm - business plan
Tips
10 min. reading

Business plan for a farm - a comprehensive guide

Do you need a business plan for a farm? If so, read our article on the subject. You will learn all the most important things.
Medical clinic
Tips
9 min. reading

Medical clinic business plan - a comprehensive guide

Planning to open a medical clinic? Don't forget to have a professional business plan. In this way you will significantly increase the chances of success.